Buying tips Tag

September 24, 2025

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions Today

From our friends at the kcm blog There’s a new divide in housing right now. In some states, buyers are gaining ground. In others, sellers still have the upper hand. It all depends on where you live. Curious what’s happening in your state? These 3 maps show how the split is playing out across the country. In each one: Darker Shades of Blue = Buyer friendly Lighter Shades of Blue = Seller strong Inventory Sets the Stage While the number of homes for sale has improved pretty much across the board, how much growth we’ve seen can look dramatically different based on where you live. And that impacts who has the leverage today. This...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

September 3, 2025

What Mortgage Delinquencies Tell Us About the Future of Foreclosures

From our friends at the kcm blog You may be seeing headlines about how foreclosures are rising. And if that makes you nervous that we’re headed for another crash, here’s what you should know. According to ATTOM, during the housing crash, over nine million people went through some sort of distressed sale (2007-2011). Last year, there were just over 300,000. So, even with the increase lately, we’re talking about numbers that are dramatically lower. But what does the future hold? Is a wave coming? The short answer is, no. Here’s why. Experts in the industry look at mortgage delinquencies (loans that are more than 30 days past due) as an early sign...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

August 27, 2025

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

From our friends at the kcm blog If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it – sometimes even sight unseen. That kind of intensity pushed a lot of buyers to the sidelines. It was stressful, chaotic, and for many, really discouraging. But here’s what you need to know: those days are behind us. Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

August 20, 2025

15 Essential Questions for Smart House Hunting

From HouseLogic Here’s how to house hunt to focus on what’s most important and avoid buyer’s remorse. Buying a home is one of the biggest and most considered financial decisions you’ll ever make. Some buyers may think they're making a good decision but end up with regret. In fact, 82% of recent homebuyers said they had at least one regret about their purchase, according to a 2024 survey conducted by Clever Real Estate. Attention-grabbing features like updated kitchens and cosmetic touches like fresh paint can distract buyers, says Gabriella DeBartoli, a real estate pro with the DeBartoli Real Estate Group, part of Huntingon and Ellis, in Las Vegas. When they're distracted,...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

August 13, 2025

Is Buying a House With Cash a Good Idea in Today’s Market?

By Cathie Ericson|Realtor.com In light of today's rising mortgage rates, the thought of saving money on a monthly mortgage payment by paying for a home all in cash might seem like a safe bet. Moreover, home sellers swoon over all-cash offers, since it means there's no doubt that you've got the coin to close the deal. And a happy seller means the house will be yours that much faster. But before you drop every dollar you have on buying a home, you should understand all of the expenses you'll have to cover, even if you plan on financing the house with cold, hard cash. How to buy a home with cash You can use cash from a variety of sources...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

July 30, 2025

Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

From our friends at the kcm blog Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets. What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market? In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and not as many buyers. That means homes sit longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and prices tend to soften as a result. It’s simple supply and demand. On the flip side, a seller’s market happens when there aren’t enough...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

July 15, 2025

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

From our friends at the kcm blog Buying your first home is a big milestone – and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier. Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to your agent. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork. Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers. Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First Rocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

July 1, 2025

Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again.

From our friends at the kcm blog Fear of a recession is back in the headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move. A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows 68% of people are delaying plans to buy or sell due to economic uncertainty. But it may not be for the reason you think. Not everyone is holding off because they’re worried. Some buyers are waiting because they’re hopeful. According to Realtor.com: “In 2025Q1, 3 in 10 (29.8% of) surveyed homebuyers said a recession would make them at least somewhat more likely to purchase a home...

by Jenn Pfeiffer

June 10, 2025

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

From our friends at the kcm blog If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan. They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase. Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just wanting a place that’s truly yours, an FHA home loan could be the path...

by Jenn Pfeiffer